Jnanpith awardee Indira Goswami''s condition still critical

Guwahati, Feb 15 (PTI) There was no improvement in thecondition of Jnanpith winning litterateur Indira Goswami, whoremained unconscious and on ventilator support for the fourthconsecutive day, even as two specialists from AIIMS arrivedhere to attend on her.

"Goswami remains unconscious and on ventilator supportfor the fourth consecutive day. Specialists from AIIMSexamined her today and several tests were conducted on her.

The doctors will decide on further course of treatment afterthe test results are available," Principal and ChiefSuperintendent of Guwahati Medical College Hospital Dr M MDeka told reporters here.

"There has been no improvement in her condition and sheis critical as she is suffering from high fever due tosepticaemia," he said.

Goswami (69) was brought to the hospital late onSaturday night after she complained of respiratory problemsand was immediately put on ventilation in the ICU.

ULFA ''chairman'' Arabinda Rajkhowa, who arrived herefrom New Delhi after holding introductory talks with theCentre, visited GMCH and inquired about her health.

"Mamoni baideo has tirelessly worked to ensure peacetalks between the government and ULFA are held. We are veryconcerned about her health. People of Assam need her at thiscritical juncture," Rajkhowa said.

ULFA ''commander-in-chief'' Paresh Barua also sent ane-mail wishing Goswami a speedy recovery.

Goswami, who has authored several novels and shortstory collection, had earlier taken the initiative for apolitical dialogue to resolve the ULFA issue which has rockedthe state for nearly three decades.